Driver chased, arrested today in Carlsbad

CARLSBAD -- Officers arrested a 24-year-old woman who allegedly
drove through a construction zone early today in San Diego and was
chased into Carlsbad.

Kim Vuong, 24, of Westminster was taken into custody after a
12-mile pursuit on suspicion of felony failure to yield to
officers, said Sgt. Connie Lloyd of the California Highway
Patrol.

Lloyd said Vuong didn't appear to be driving under the
influence. "

She's going to be evaluated" for possible psychological
problems, the sergeant said.

Lloyd said Vuong drove a silver-colored 2001 Honda through a
closed California Department of Transportation freeway construction
site in San Diego at 3:49 a.m. on Interstate 805, south of the
Interstate 5 merge.

"She almost struck two CalTrans employees," said Lloyd.

She said officers began pursuing the Honda, which stopped on I-5
a mile north of the I-805 merge. The driver got out.

"Officers told her to get back in her vehicle and drive to the
road shoulder," the sergeant said. "She got back in her vehicle and
started speeding."

As the pursuit headed north on I-5 at 55 to 70 mph, officers
said, San Diego County sheriff's deputies set out a spike strip at
La Costa Avenue in Carlsbad.

The chase ended after the car ran over the spikes, which
flattened three tires. Officers said the driver took a blanket and
a radio with her into the back seat of the Honda, ignoring commands
to get out.

A deputy fired a bean bag round into the car, "and then she
decided she'd better come out," Lloyd said.